Kazakhstan continues to hold the top position in terms of average wages among Central Asian countries, according to a study conducted by analysts at Ranking.kz.
Wage Comparisons Across Central Asia
Data from the Interstate Statistical Committee of the CIS reveals that as of September 2024, Kazakhstan’s average nominal monthly salary stood at $817.20. This figure is nearly twice as high as in Uzbekistan ($437.80) and Kyrgyzstan ($411.20). Tajikistan trails significantly behind, with an average salary of just $242.80 – 3.4 times lower than Kazakhstan’s.
Notably, the wage gap between Kazakhstan and Tajikistan would have been even greater if not for a significant increase in Tajik wages. Over the past year, nominal salaries in Tajikistan rose by 24.9%, while real wages increased by 21.1% – the highest growth rate in the region. In comparison, wage growth in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan was more moderate. Data on salaries in Turkmenistan remains unavailable as the country has not updated its wage statistics since 2023.
Minimum Wage Comparison
Kazakhstan also leads the region in terms of minimum wages. In 2024, the minimum wage in Kazakhstan is 85,000 KZT ($181.10). By contrast:
- In Uzbekistan, the minimum wage is $89.40.
- In Tajikistan, it is $54.90.
- In Kyrgyzstan, it is just $28.30.
In Turkmenistan, the official minimum wage is reported as $402.90, based on the fixed exchange rate of 3.5 TMT per dollar. However, due to the country’s reliance on a “black market” exchange rate (approximately 19 TMT per dollar), the actual minimum wage is estimated to be much lower, around $74.20.
Sectoral Analysis
When analyzing nominal salaries by economic sector, the highest wages in the region are found in finance and insurance. In Kazakhstan, the average salary in this sector exceeds $1,700 – three times higher than in Tajikistan ($561.90). Workers in Kazakhstan’s mining industry also enjoy high incomes.
In Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, the financial sector and IT industry offer the highest salaries. Meanwhile, in Tajikistan, relatively high wages are reported in the manufacturing and service sectors.
Inflation and Its Impact
Inflation remains a key factor affecting the real purchasing power of wages across Central Asia. According to the CIS Interstate Statistical Committee, the most significant price increases in 2024 occurred in the economically developed countries of the region – Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
- Uzbekistan: Inflation reached 7.7% in October 2024.
- Kazakhstan: Inflation stood at 6.6%.
- Kyrgyzstan: Inflation was lower at 4.2%.
- Tajikistan: The region’s lowest inflation rate was recorded at 3.2%.
These inflation rates directly influence the population’s purchasing power, even in countries with higher nominal salaries like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
Kazakhstan’s leadership in wages and minimum income underscores its position as the most economically advanced country in Central Asia. However, inflation and significant disparities in income distribution between sectors and regions remain challenges. While countries like Tajikistan are showing progress in wage growth, the overall gap in earnings between Central Asian nations continues to highlight economic inequalities within the region.
